Chapter 319

"Stick with me, and I’ll make sure you live the good life..." Old Wang said with a satisfied grin. Mapeier seemed like the clingy type. Ah, his damn, irresistible charm… Such a good little junior sister shouldn’t mess up his date with Sister Da, right?

He glanced around. The entrance was now completely blocked by fallen boulders and debris. Even if they cleared it, part of the passage was still blown apart by Manku’s Skyburst Grenade.

Fortunately, on the collapsed wall, about ten meters above the ground, a new, dark opening had appeared. The tunnels in this dark cavern were like a honeycomb structure, and it wasn’t unusual for new openings to appear at the ends of dead ends. They both let out a sigh of relief. Otherwise, clearing their way out would’ve taken forever.

"Let’s get out of here first, junior sister!" Old Wang pointed to the opening, and Mapeier understood.

She shot a strand of spider silk to the top of the opening. She then wrapped her arm around Wang Feng’s waist. "Hold on, senior brother!"

Whoosh!

The spider silk retracted, and they shot up, landing steadily at the dark opening.

The opening was fresh, with gravel still scattered on the ground. Old Wang stepped on the gravel, his foot slipping, sending a few stones tumbling down.

"So high," Old Wang muttered, glancing back and feeling a bit dizzy.

But Mapeier had already seen the light at the other end. "Senior brother, there’s light over there."

"Let’s go check it out!"

They ignored what was behind them and ran towards the light.

Clatter, clatter, clatter!

A few pieces of gravel they’d stepped on rolled down the wall, the sound echoing in the lifeless cave.

Suddenly, as if responding to the echo, the unrecognizable pile of flesh twitched. A blood-red light glimmered in the flesh, shining crimson...

Old Wang wasn’t the only one who’d felt haunted earlier when Manku was chasing him.

Xiao Bang had been in the dark cavern for two days. He’d dealt with a few people, but soon an old nemesis from the first level targeted him.

Orc Prince Obololo—Xiao Bang thought this guy’s nose was sharper than a bloodhound’s. No matter where he hid, Obololo always sniffed him out.

Drip, drip...

The sound of water droplets ahead echoed in the quiet cavern, but Xiao Bang had already stopped. They’d clashed hundreds of times, and though Xiao Bang couldn’t see through Obololo’s stealth, he’d developed a strange premonition that was often spot-on.

Xiao Bang’s soul power was primed. He knew his pause had alerted Obololo, who might either leave immediately to wait for the next opportunity or pounce right away.

"Come out, how long are you going to wait?"

The air seemed to freeze for a moment, and in the next second, a dark light suddenly flashed from the top of the emerald-green cavern.

Whoosh!

Obololo descended from above, his five fingers clawing down with full force!

Xiao Bang felt the immense pressure. Obololo’s soul power seemed to have improved again—not only did his strength feel greater, but his speed was also faster than before. In fact, everyone was becoming more formidable in the hunt and the hunted. The boiling blood between life and death was the most effective way to stimulate strength growth.

Xiao Bang didn’t dare to be careless. Since entering the dark cavern, he felt it was becoming increasingly difficult to withstand Obololo’s attacks. Compared to Obololo’s growth, Xiao Bang felt his own progress was slightly slower. The orc prince’s talent was undoubtedly historic; otherwise, he wouldn’t have been hailed as the future hope of the orc race. What allowed Xiao Bang to hold onto his lifeline in this back-and-forth was his increasingly sharp prediction and perception.

At this moment, his soul power was already in place. Xiao Bang even guessed that Obololo would attack from above. There was no logic to it—it was just intuition. A spiraling soul power vortex formed just in time to defend against the attack from above.

Swish!

The golden claws tore through the air, and the soul power vortex could only slightly slow down the attack. It was breached after just a brief delay.

Xiao Bang spun around, flattening himself against the left cave wall, but the clawing hand swiftly shifted from a downward strike to a horizontal slash, razoring through the air where Xiao Bang had been.

Whoosh!

Blood splattered as five deep, crimson claw marks gouged deep enough to expose bone on Xiao Bang's chest. Yet, he didn’t even flinch. A golden inverted triangle rune flashed, immobilizing the lightning-fast claws. The opponent was faster than Xiao Bang, and all of this was achieved through sheer anticipation and the near-fatal wound on his chest!

This was a high-stakes gamble!

The golden light dimmed after a brief flash. Xiao Bang's left hand firmly grasped Obololo's wrist, while his right leg stepped forward, focusing all his soul power into his right shoulder.

The severe injury to his chest had bought him an opportunity to knock down his opponent. A simple attack, but one that embodied his lifetime of training.

With a soft shout, Xiao Bang's right shoulder lit up with a three-dimensional triangular rune, shaped like a towering mountain. With the overwhelming force of a collapsing peak, he slammed it fiercely into Obololo's body.

The impact could topple mountains—unstoppable!

Obololo sensed the peril, his pupils contracting sharply, along with the arm that Xiao Bang had seized.

Swoosh!

The thick arm bone contracted into a compact mass. Xiao Bang felt a slip in his grasp as the sturdy hand slipped from his grasp like a boneless eel.

Boom!

It felt like a glancing blow, not a direct hit. At the last second of the force's release, Obololo had already broken free and retreated.

Whoosh...

Obololo now leaned forward, crouched low, his legs braced against the ground. His left hand was behind his back, while the fingers of his right hand clawed at the cave floor, scraping five fiery trails as he slid backward for over ten meters before coming to a stop.

Xiao Bang straightened up, locking eyes with Obololo, who was crouched low on the ground ten meters away. The cave was once again thick with tension.

Blood continued to pour from the five claw marks on Xiao Bang's chest, yet his expression remained unshakably calm.

Obololo's left shoulder trembled slightly. The left hand behind his back wasn’t merely a pose. The collision had been devastating. Even though he had managed to retreat and dissipate the force, his left shoulder had still taken the brunt of the attack. He felt his shoulder bone pop out of place, with signs of fracture. Although the orcs' terrifying regenerative abilities meant that such injuries were trivial, he wouldn’t be able to use his left hand in combat for a while.

Obololo's right claw, which had been pressed against the ground, slowly lifted. His eyes locked onto Xiao Bang as he extended his tongue, lightly licking the sharp, elongated nails of his right hand, which still carried the metallic tang of Xiao Bang's blood.

A faint smile curled at the corner of his lips.

Xiao Bang was far worse off, and Obololo had already mastered all of Xiao Bang's attack techniques. This would be the final resting place of the Dragon's Son!

Obololo's gaze swept over Xiao Bang, taking in everything. The chest wound was a glaring weakness in battle. Obololo couldn’t afford to retreat into the shadows again—that would give Xiao Bang a chance to recover. Now was the time to finish him off. Yet, the steely resolve in Xiao Bang's eyes told Obololo that he had no intention of giving up.

Those were the eyes of someone who had been through enough. Even in the last second before death, such a person could drag their opponent down with them.

Obololo suddenly smiled.

The enhancement of orc bloodlines differed from how humans cultivated soul power. Compared to the monotonous practice of cultivation, mental stimulation could more readily awaken them, allowing them to tap deeper into the power of the Beast God within their blood.

And it was precisely because of Xiao Bang's indomitable spirit that Obololo had reached another peak in just a few days. He could feel his blood surging with renewed vigor. Both his mind and will were on the verge of another awakening.

"You are a worthy opponent, deserving of a dignified funeral," Obololo said slowly, standing up straight. There was no hint of mockery in his voice; his eyes were filled with a subtle respect.

Orcs respected strength, not just because they admired power, but because they revered the unyielding will of the strong.

Boom!

The muscles on Obololo's chest, arms, thighs, and even his neck bulged slightly. The golden battle armor's straps burst apart under the strain.

The heavy golden armor and cloak clattered to the ground, revealing his robust, bronze skin.

Xiao Bang's eyes were as calm as still water, his face still showing no change in expression. The unique trait of the orc bloodline allows transformation into the true form. This was just the beginning; the power hidden within the bloodline was clearly more than just breaking a belt.

"I know you're holding back, saving it for the final face-off."

Obololo's voice deepened further, carrying a muffled groan, and his expression twisted in pain. The changes to his body were still ongoing.

Crack, crack, crack—

The dislocated left arm was forcibly reset amidst the swelling muscles, the bones emitting a crisp sound as they realigned. But the changes didn't stop there. Veins bulged under his skin, rapidly turning red and densely weaving into a massive network of meridians across his body!

As the red meridians covered his body, the expansion of his soul power and body paused abruptly.

"Behold the most glorious power of the orc bloodline," Obololo slowly raised his head, his face also covered with red meridians. He chuckled, but his smile was ferocious and terrifying. His thick throat quivered as he spat out three words.

"Beast God Transformation!"

A terrifying surge of soul power exploded from his body, the recoiling airwave sweeping through the cavern like a shockwave, shaking the earth.

Boom—

The terrifying impact sent debris flying, the sheer force of the airwave nearly knocking Xiao Bang off his feet and forcing him back several steps.

The cavern still shook, and in the massive dust cloud ahead, a huge figure loomed. Golden eyes, as large as copper bells, pierced through the dust cloud, as if a deity stared at an ant!

In the next instant, a force recoiled, the surrounding dust and air currents converging towards the massive body, focusing into a single point!

As the dust settled, the massive figure revealed its true form to Xiao Bang.

It was a colossal being, nearly four meters tall, with a humanoid shape and incredibly thick limbs. Its body, even its face, was covered in a thick layer of irregular black keratin, with sharp spikes protruding like a thorn-covered armor!

Black Xuanwu! One of the ten royal bloodlines of the orcs, representing their pride.

Xiao Bang's expression turned grave. He could feel that this was more than a change in size; the opponent's internal soul power had greatly increased, far surpassing the normal Tiger Peak level.

Obololo's wide mouth twisted into a grin as he reveled in the power and keen insight that came with his body's liberation.

This was the thrill of a king in control. The once troublesome Xiao Bang was now an ant in his eyes. It was precisely this stimulation that allowed him to use the Beast God Transformation so smoothly!

Obololo's clenched left fist shone with golden light, recoiling with a strong air current as soul power condensed. "The Beast God Transformation is more than a beastly change; it's the true ability to connect with the power of heaven and earth. Humans, tsk tsk, honestly, without the Supreme Sage Teacher, how could you deserve such a status?"

The massive body was not frenzied but rather more calm. The power brought insight into the world, which was why the royal family held absolute dominance within the orc race.

A golden light suddenly shone on the left fist, the surrounding air violently shaking, and a massive golden fist separated from the golden light.

Boom!

The fist light shot out like a meteor from outer space, aiming to destroy heaven and earth!

Xiao Bang's expression was grave, his soul power already accumulated, his body rotating without wind. The opponent's words were merely to shake his fighting spirit and exert more pressure. If it were the him before enlightenment, he would have long given up resistance, waiting in fear for death.

The master's golden triangle, shaped like a three-dimensional triangle, was the most stable structure of soul power, with even more profound internal mechanics.

Two driving forces: the internal and external rotation of soul power.

Hum...

Desperation breeds survival!

It was clear that the outward spin rebound was unstoppable; the opponent's strength had surpassed his. Inner Spin Storm!

Soul power originates from the heart, starting as a mere wisp of air, but in the blink of an eye, it had gathered into a spiraling aura like a tornado, swirling violently around him, instantly forming a cone shape that enveloped him.

Boom!

The golden fist imprint slammed into the spinning storm, the tremendous force sending Xiao Bang three steps back, each step causing the ground to tremble, while Obololo remained unmoved.

"Yes, yes, yes, this is the spirit!" Obololo's expression was ferocious, but it was the extreme excitement of a warrior, "Only this is worthy of my Beast God Transformation!"

Xiao Bang stayed calm and composed, a lesson he had learned—weakness was futile, so no matter what he faced, he could remain calm. But the opponent's strength was overwhelming; the Inner Spin Storm could draw the opponent's soul power into his own vortex, not all of it would pour in, but a part would still enter his body, fierce, intimidating, and domineering soul power aura, completely incompatible with his own.

Is this the might of a beast king?

Xiao Bang clenched his teeth, knowing he couldn't hold on like this, he abruptly thrust his hands to the side.

Rumble~~~~

The violent energy erupted, directly blasting a deep cave dozens of meters into the side wall.

Xiao Bang gasped for air, utterly spent, too strong, too strong.

How could he defeat such an opponent?

Obololo was genuinely astonished, having never seen such a strange move. Did he just attempt to redirect the force at himself?

Too bad.

Obololo across from him just watched quietly, a smirk curling his lips, there was really something unique about this martial art, given time, it would surely become a formidable threat.

"To achieve this with the Tiger Peak strength of a mere mortal." The formidable soul power gathered again on Obololo's fist, and he did not hide the admiration on his face, "Xiao Bang, you are truly remarkable, so I have decided to crush you with my own hands!"

Xiao Bang, kneeling on one knee, kept gasping for breath, clearly having little strength left to resist, but Obololo's body slightly sank.

He shifted slightly to the right, his right fist drawn to his waist, red blood vessels spread all over his body, a soul power even more formidable than before gathered in his right fist, the dazzling golden light, akin to a small sun, illuminating the entire dark cave for hundreds of meters as if it were daylight!

Buzz buzz buzz...

The terrifying power radiated, not yet unleashed, but the entire cave was already trembling slightly!

Xiao Bang's pupils slightly contracted, the power gathered in this fist made him feel like a mantis trying to stop a chariot.

"You are worthy of this full-powered strike." Obololo laughed wildly, his bloodline burning within him, his spirit at its peak, he could feel the pure primal power of the beast race continuously surging from the depths of his bloodline, making him feel better than ever, increasingly excited for no reason, a good opponent could make him surpass himself faster!

The golden eyes suddenly lit up, even the pupils disappeared in the dazzling light, replaced by unparalleled brilliance.

Black Tortoise Shakes the Heavens!

With a wild roar, the massive body disappeared from Xiao Bang's sight, the gathered power burning, the entire world seemed engulfed by the sun-like, dazzling golden light!

Xiao Bang's eyes suddenly narrowed, between life and death, he gathered his last strength—Spinning Storm!

Boom!

This was a completely unequal force, when the golden light met the defense of the spiral storm, Xiao Bang felt as if he had been hit by ten soul crystal cannons at once, the terrifying impact almost instantly crushing his bones.

His legs planted on the ground could not hold on, along with his spiral storm, he was directly blasted back more than ten meters by the terrifying force.

Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh...

The ground was carved into a wide trench by the retreating spiral storm, but his legs remained firmly planted, and the golden radiance was actually held back.

Obololo's massive figure moved with surprising agility as he followed closely, an enormous golden fist, about a meter in diameter, forcing the conical spiral storm into an arch shape. If the defense failed, it would be instantly pulverized, with no chance of survival.

"Roar~~~~~~~~~~~~" Xiao Bang's soul-deep roar was reduced to a faint grunt, his legs rooted to the ground like iron stakes, the veins on his forehead swelling dangerously.

He thought to himself, Hold on, hold on, hold on!

The ultimate outburst of the soul's origin, Xiao Bang felt his soul power exceed its peak, but... it was still futile!

The gap in power was too vast. Obololo's fist was like a towering mountain, while his spiral storm was just a small whirlwind in comparison. Even with every ounce of strength, he couldn't move the opponent a fraction...

Partially absorbed, partially channeled into the spiral storm, but the opponent's soul power surged in too violently. If this continued, it would overwhelm him, and without restraint, it would tear him apart.

What was the master's technique? What was it?

The master had taught him: Inner rotation for defense, outer rotation for attack, but how could the soul power shift instantly?

In the brink of death, clarity suddenly struck. The Divine Triangle?

Why did the master refer to it as the Divine Triangle???

The triangle was a single entity, yet it embodied an unfathomable cycle. Xiao Bang was not ignorant; he had heard of a Möbius structure, which added a world's cycle, as if combining the visible world with the soul world, making an impossible cycle into an eternal one.

Otherwise, it would always be rigid, but where was that invisible world?

Obololo was also astonished. Was this guy still human? His body was breaking apart, blood spraying, yet he still wouldn't give in?

"Good, good, good, I will not only destroy your body but also your soul!" Obololo roared.

And this voice was like the morning bell and evening drum, directly striking Xiao Bang's mind.

Soul? Soul!

It was the soul!

This was the divine secret!

Master, I understand!

Suddenly, the spiral storm, on the verge of collapse, expanded wildly. Xiao Bang abandoned his resistance and merged with the storm, becoming a part of the power, harmonious and orderly.

Obololo, however, noticed something was wrong. From being passive, the spiral storm began to generate a gravitational pull, tugging at his soul power!

Obololo revealed a ferocious yet excited smile, interesting, absorbing?

Can you absorb it!!!

A continuous stream of soul power surged from his massive body, die, die, die!

Buzz, buzz, buzz~~

His right fist buzzed and trembled, with strands of golden light seeping through the fingers, as if holding an infinitely powerful sun. Obololo was absolutely confident he could explode Xiao Bang; the fragile human body couldn't withstand it.

"To witness the master's secret," Xiao Bang's eyes were calm, his entire being in an ethereal state, a faint smile appeared on his lips: "This is your privilege!"